Cashtastic

Money columnist Amanda Blinkhorn’s weekly round-up of tips on bargains, savings and savvy buys…

It can’t rain all month – can it?

This week I’m celebrating the great British summer – so whether you’re camping, glamping or having a staycation enjoying the thunderstorms with a glass of cloudy lemonade, you’re sure to find a bargain here.

Camping deals

The caravan club has come a long way since it was the butt of many a Carry On Camping gag – now it’s a switched on way to save serious money if you have a yen for the open road. Membership costs £46 a year and entitles you to a £10-a-night discount at their campsites, which means you could be in the money after just five nights under canvas. Other advantages include three per cent discount at Sainsbury’s (their discount card costs £1.99) and a host of savings on insurance, foreign camping trips and the nuts and bolts of caravanning like new tyres and tow bars. Find out more here

A tents situation

Sleeping directly under the stars is strictly for cowboys and those who can’t find their way back to the campsite. Most of us will be requiring a tent. Argos is offering four person-tents for just £19.99. Find out more here

Sleeping rough at home?

Leaking roofs, blocked gutters and other grot come out – or through the woodwork at this time of year when cloudbursts take on biblical proportions. If you’re in a flap and don’t know where to start, try Trustatrader.com, Trustedtraders.which.co.uk and checkatrade.com: three directories that offer professional recommended tradespeople.

You’ll be needing these:

Wellies, rucksacks, cute camping stoves…getting the right gear is half the fun of camping. Outdoorgear.co.uk is currently offering 25 per cent off Hunter wellies, as well as a load of other goodies. Find out more here

All dressed up?

Now’s the time to start plan your trip. It’s worth having a focus – those green fields can wear a little thin after a while. The nationaltrust.org.uk is a great website to browse for ideas – who can resist their list of 50 things you should do before you’re 11¾?

Membership costs £8.87 a month for two adults and their children or grandchildren and allows free entry to 300 wonderful houses and gardens. They are currently giving away a pair of binoculars to anyone who pays by direct debit. Their mid-season gift shop sale is worth a closer look too – it isn’t all bird feeders and devore scarves you know – I was particularly taken by their wooden cookie stamps at £2.25 each. Find out more here